This archive report was first published on 29 August 2019.
On August 28, 2019, Marianne Kitany, the former chief of staff at the deputy president's office, took the stand in a divorce case against Meru Senator Mithika Linturi. In a shocking revelation, Kitany accused Linturi of plotting to poison her.
According to Kitany, Linturi had sent a woman to befriend her with the aim of poisoning her. The woman, who was revealed to have been sent by Linturi, told Kitany that she had been tasked with poisoning her.
Kitany, who was testifying in an ongoing divorce case she had filed against Linturi, displayed photographs in court to prove she was married to the senator. The photos showed Kitany chewing miraa during a Meru customary marriage in 2016, as well as attending public rallies together after the elections.
Kitany also produced three albums showing the couple's happier days, including what she said was their wedding in Nandi County. A video was played showing Linturi singing 'happy birthday my love', and another picture showed Kitany at Linturi's brother's funeral.
Kitany accused Linturi of infidelity, saying it was the reason she decided to file for divorce. She cited Linturi's cheating, abuse, and transfer of some of her properties to himself among the reasons for filing for divorce.
Kitany told the court that their house girl, who had died at their home in Meru County, had informed her that Linturi was having affairs. She said that in 2017, their marriage became rocky as Linturi would come home late and deny her conjugal rights.
Kitany insisted that she tried everything, including involving his parents, to save their marriage. She told the court that their parents tried to solve their problems three times but in vain.
Kitany is represented by lawyers Danstan Omari, Ligana Mogaka, Shadrack Wambui, Miss Anita Masaki, and Sharie Okege. Linturi is represented by Thiankolu Muthomi and Samuel Karanja. The matter is being heard by Chief Magistrate Peter Ngare.
